Submitted by the office of Rep. Rick Larsen

U.S. Senator Patty Murray, WA, and Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, took action this week to respond to constituents concerned about noise from the EA-18G Growlers at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Murray and Larsen asked the U.S. Navy to consider recommending funding for the construction of a hangar at Ault Field called a hush house, which would muffle noise from on-ground engine testing and maintenance.

“Community members from Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands have shared with me their concerns about the noise from the Growlers at NASWI. Senator Murray and I have listened and are asking the Navy to help out by building a hush house, which would muffle engine noise from testing and maintenance on the ground and direct it away from communities,” Rep. Larsen said. “I have always been clear in my support for NASWI’s role as one of the country’s premier Navy installations, the Growlers being stationed at the base, and the necessary training such as field carrier landing practice to make sure our servicemen and women are prepared. I will also continue working with community members and local leaders to address the impact of noise.”

“We’ve heard from families on Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands that the noise from NASWI is disturbing their communities,” said Senator Murray. “Construction of this facility is a reasonable step to minimize the impact that planes from NASWI have on the surrounding area.”

Full text of the letter to the U.S. Navy can be found here.